City of Parramatta is putting the call out to local businesses and stakeholders to rally behind Parramatta as the prime location for the new production hub for SBS - Australia's multilingual media outlet.
It comes off the back of SBS launching an expression of interest process seeking proposals for suitable premises in Western Sydney that can support a best-in-class television, digital and audio production facility.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said Parramatta is the logical home for the new SBS studio.
"As I said at our inaugural Lord Mayor's Business Forum - the time to invest in Parramatta is now, which is why we're encouraging local property owners with sites that meet the brief to put their best foot forward."
"Parramatta has the spaces, infrastructure and transport connections set among our wonderfully diverse community - the SBS target audience right here in the heart of Greater Sydney," Cr Zaiter said.
"More than half of Parramatta's population was born overseas and speak a language other than English at home and almost 70 per cent, including me, have two parents born overseas so we understand the importance of sharing the stories of our diverse community."
Cr Zaiter said a move to Parramatta would pay dividends as a fast-growing global City with tangible plans to expand over the next 25 years.
"I have already reached out to the chair of SBS to understand what they need and ensure they recognise Parramatta's distinct advantages including transport connectivity, particularly with the opening of light rail," Cr Zaiter said.
"A successful new studio in the west could be the first step to ultimately convincing all players, including the Federal Government, of the merits of investing in a full relocation that better positions SBS for the future."
Cr Zaiter said Parramatta is proud to now be the home to national media organisations that have recently expanded their footprint west of Sydney CBD.
"With ABC and Sydney Morning Herald at our doorstep in Parramatta Square, they are even closer to their audiences and some of Sydney's richest stories than ever before - it's only fitting that SBS joins us here."
SBS plans to open the new production hub in 2028.
